11 Things Only Great Dane People Understand

If you grew up loving Scooby Doo, you probably have a soft spot for the large, gangly, and adorable Great Dane breed. Great Dane owners are fierce advocates for these big, beautiful dogs, which is probably why, despite their size, they rank as number 14 out of 194 dog breeds for popularity according to the AKC.

If you’re wondering what it’s like to own a giant dog breed, here are some things that only Great Dane owners truly understand.

A post shared by Greatdanegram (@greatdanegram) on Jun 9, 2018 at 2:00pm PDT

Great Dane puppies spend so much time growing that too much exercise when they’re young can put them at risk for bone and joint issues. Even as adults, too much exercise can be dangerous and lead to conditions like bloat. Great Dane owners definitely prefer leisurely strolls with their pets over long runs or hard hikes.

4. Great Danes can be a little clumsy

As puppies, Great Danes grow so fast that they often trip or somersault as they get used to their quickly-changing bodies. As adults, Great Danes often don’t realize just how big they are. Little kids, other dogs, nice vases and open beers have all fallen prey to a Great Dane who didn’t see them along their path. It’s not just their eager faces, either — their tail especially packs a punch.

8. Car rides can be…interesting

Because Great Danes are so big, fitting them into the backseat of a compact car can be interesting. But they love car rides, so they settle down quickly and appreciate the claustrophobia-inducing effort.

When you’re as heavy and large as a Great Dane, it’s even less comfortable to lay on a hard ground. Great Dane owners often have (very large) beds for their pups — since it’s hard for the dog and pet parents to fit on a couch together.